» 1987 Systems of Romance

Archive for the 1987 Category

Toccata- We Are the Sub-Machines 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1987, british, new wave, synth, toccata, uk on October 8, 2013 by Frankie Teardrop

I first heard this one on a cassette while sitting in a car outside the Wierd party with Martial Canterel and Nick from Crispy Nuggets, and we all couldn’t get enough of it. ~~I’ve been trying to track the single down since with no luck, but~~ many thanks to Klumpa for providing a rip of this one to share. We can expect a few more treats along these lines, including a handful of loose tracks just itching to be compiled and an Italo flavored 7” to come over the next few weeks.

Very little info to be found about this band (who shares the name with classical terminology, making it difficult to google), though the sleeve indicates that this was released in 1987 and featured the duo of Jan Sinclair and Pete Ward, with various guest musicans and backup singers contributing. There are a few Pete/r Wards out there, some active around the same period, so I can’t really pinpoint which, if any, are responsible. Believe me, I’ve tried!

However, here we have two excellent tracks, the a-side coming across like a Kissing the Pink/Eurythmics hybrid with a stomping, torch song rave-up, while the b-side has a very neofolk-esque frailty reminiscent of the Nature & Organisation record and other Rose Mcdowall contributions over the years…

Any more information on this one is welcome!

Toccata- We Are the Sub-Machines 7”
1. We Are the Sub-Machines
2. Gypsy Eyes

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 11.21.15)

10 Comments »

Decade- Diva Diva 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1987, coldwave, Decade, france, french, post-punk on October 1, 2013 by Frankie Teardrop

Originally posted by the great Dreams and Voices and freshly ripped from my own copy, this is one of my favorite mid-tempo French singles from Montpellier, a little romanticism in the B-side to get you through the week. As he mentions, there’s a Little Nemo vibe in “Diva Diva,” certainly a welcome addition to the cold, melancholic French catalog. “Conquistador” isn’t too shabby either, with a sinister synth undercurrent and a percussive-heavy melody.

This single was released in 1987 and is their only known recording. Not much more to say about this one, other than enjoy!

Decade- Diva Diva 7”
1. Diva Diva
2. Conquistador

*download it here*

7 Comments »

Sculpteurs D’Ombres- L’Ange Noir 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1987, coldwave, france, french, post-punk, sculpteurs d'ombres on August 22, 2013 by Frankie Teardrop

Apologies for being sparse these days, but I’ve been keeping busy with a new project. That said, here’s an amazing 7” from France, private pressing from 1987. Great coldwave sounds on both tracks, gloomy yet driving- the perfect combination. Both tracks are both dark and incredibly catchy, with deep French vocals. Hooks all around, driving drums (edit-thanks for clarifying, Phil). Really, the perfect package.

There’s not much more I can tell you about this band, though I’ve been told that there may be more material out there waiting to be revealed. I shall certainly update this post if and when there’s news or more info to be had! Otherwise, I promise to be more active in the coming weeks…

Thanks to Phil for filling in a few gaps in the comments:
Our group became “In Extremis”. We composed some good songs in the southwest of France (Hossegor) then we separated some years later. I regret it now. Thank you for your compliments. I still have some 45 tours vinyl to me, if somebody is interested.

Sculpteurs D’Ombres- L’Ange Noir 7”
1. L’Ange Noir
2. Later in the Night

*download it here*

7 Comments »

Pavillon 7B- Pavillon 7B LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, coldwave, france, french, goth, pavillon 7b on March 19, 2013 by Frankie Teardrop

A real quick and dirty post here for today- simply because I’ve had little time this week, have had this in the queue for many months, and almost forgot to post it… Here we have an updated copy of the s/t Pavillon 7B LP from 1987, lovingly re-ripped by the one and only BX. A true coldwave classic from Dijon, a small town in the east of France, featuring dark and passionate female vocals and thin, mad-carnival synth lines . One of my favorite LPs, by far- one that seems to get better with each listen. The band also released several cassettes, appeared on many compilations, and issued a collection on Minimal Wave in 2007 which collected many of the band’s earliest works. ‘Black Generation’ was also featured prominently on several compilations, including the excellent Transmission compilation from Infrastition, which I’m sure you’ve all heard by now…

Even if you’re already familiar with this one- you’re in for a treat!

Pavillon 7B- Pavillon 7B LP
1. Black Generation
2. Wish
3. Sensation
4. The Sailor
5. Les Nouveaux Abris
6. Sphere
7. +
8. Love Loser
9. Somebody

*download it here*

3 Comments »

Opera Multi Steel- Regret Qui S’Ecaille K7

Posted in 1980s, 1987, coldwave, french, minimal, minimal synth, opera multi steel on February 24, 2013 by Frankie Teardrop

While Opera Multi Steel are one of my favorite bands, I’ve never had the chance to feature them here, as most of their material has been reissued or posted elsewhere. However, I realized this particular cassette in 1987 hasn’t been ripped in the past, and aside from two tracks, does not appear on the otherwise excellent K7 Archives collection issued by Vinyl on Demand in 2008.

For those unfamiliar with Opera Multi Steel, the band was founded in 1983 in Bourges, France. Brothers Franck and Patrick Lopez joined Catherine Marie for their first 12” and debut LP, both essentials in the French coldwave/minimal synth scene. They were one of the more prolific bands of the genre, and have released top shelf music constantly without splitting up or reuniting. Two further members would join the band in 1987 and 1988 respectively, just after this tape was released. You can read a more detailed biography here.

Opera Multi Steel ‎– Regret Qui S’Ecaille K7
1. Regret Qui S’Ecaille
2. General Hospital
3. Désir Plaisir Après Tristesse
4. Lady Du Sentier De Loosy
5. Messager Monotone
6. Poisson D’Argent
7. Mon Permis De Conduire
8. Mawata

*download it here*

2 Comments »

Sixth Comm- The Taste For Flesh 12”

Posted in 12'', 1980s, 1987, darkwave, death in june, neo-folk with tags sixth comm on December 18, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

It was difficult to choose the final post for 2012, somehow this particular 12” seems more holiday appropriate, in a morbid sort of way. Now that I think of it, this band is the perfect soundtrack for the end of the world, due this Friday if all goes according to plan.

I’m sure Sixth Comm are no strangers to readers of this blog, as the band was an outlet for Death In June vocalist/percussionist Patrick Leagas, who abruptly left the band in 1985. Leagas (aka Patrick O’Kill) was the primary force behind the Death In June’s interest in synth/dance-oriented music, and often re-recorded classic DIJ tracks under the Sixth Comm moniker (it may be sacrilege to most, but the DJ in me has a strong preference for Sixth Comm’s version of “Calling“). The first few Sixth Comm LPs (most of which have been released on iTunes and can be found on LP for modest prices) continue in this vein, mixing dark, beat-heavy electronics and Norse-inspired mysticism.

I originally purchased this 12” for a non-picture disc version of “Othilia” to DJ at the Wierd party, but much to my surprise, I found the version here to be different than the recording that appears on Morthogenisis. The more well known version of the track clocks in at the same length, though is a more straightforward run through of the song. The other two tracks on this 12” appear on Morthogenisis, seemingly unchanged. The alternate version of “Othilia” is worth the price of admission alone, so hopefully even the biggest DIJ fan can find something new to enjoy.

Sixth Comm- The Taste For Flesh 12”
1. Othilia
2. Neiflheim
3. Swan Death

*download it here*

On that note, I just wanted to thank everyone for sticking around during a rather tumultuous year. It’s been five years and counting, and it’s been a pleasure sharing this music with you. If we all make it to 2013, here’s hoping for an even better year ahead! Best to you and yours.

13 Comments »

Coldwave grab bag: Red Rain Coat & Jus Dorange

Posted in 1983, 1987, Belgian, coldwave, jus dorange, post-punk, red rain coat, swiss, switzerland on March 27, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

I think the internet police have spoken and it’s time to call it a day here at Systems of Romance. I’ve been pretty zen about the whole thing thus far, as it’s been five years and over 500 posts- certainly nothing to balk at. However, I do have a few more posts I’d like to share with you all before wrapping up here. Please pardon the sudden change in file sharing sites. Hopefully these links last long enough for everyone to enjoy them!

Here we have two incredibly rare 7”s for the price of one (hah). Both of these records have been in my wantlist for ages, and it’s taken me some time to track them both down properly. Patience has never been my strongest suit, but it certainly paid off here, as both of these 7”s were worth the thrill of the hunt and have quickly become two of my most cherished records in my entire collection.

Some of you may recall the Jus Dorange a-side from an early VA compilation. Many thanks to Sean McBride, AKA Martial Canterel, for cluing me into that track a few years ago via Youtube, as it’s haunted my dreams ever since. As expected, the flip is just as stellar, sitting nicely alongside Lè Travo, The Names, Aimless Device, & Siglo XX at the top of the Belgian coldwave crop. Two perfectly vicious tracks that demand repeat listening. It’s worthwhile to note that Dries Decocker was also active in The Misz, who released several cassette tapes and have been compiled on the excellent Underground Belgian Wave Vol. 2 compilation on Walhalla Records.

The second single is a more recent, but no less rare obsession. Red Rain Coat were from Switzerland, and while they were more well known for their early 90s foray into more guitar-pop turf, their first 7” is another cold masterpiece of its era. Their story parallels Eskimos & Egypt, whose debut 7”, while having little in common with their other releases, is a bona-fide classic.

Jus Dorange- At Night 7” (1983)
1. At Night
2. Watching

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 6.5.13)

Red Rain Coat- In Between the Fronts 7” (1987)
1. Small Town
2. Distinguished Ball

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 6.5.13)

I have at least two more posts in the works, so please do check back over the next week or two for the grand finale!

24 Comments »

Various Artists- Unreleased Vol. 1 K7

Posted in 1987, asylum party, cassette, clair obscur, coldwave, compilations, darkwave, little nemo, mary goes round, norma loy, Orchestre Rouge, post-punk, unreleased, various artists on February 23, 2012 by Frankie Teardrop

Since it seems like all links for the original Unreleased cassette are dead in the water or at a very low bit rate, here’s a fresh 320 kbps, fresh from the cassette! This one is arguably the most orthodox of the series, featuring several “household names” from the French coldwave/touching pop scene, many making their first or second recorded appearance here. Every band here hails from France, with the exception of The Cultural Decay (Belgium), and a rare track from Factory darlings Section 25.

Interesting how each of these compilations appear on a different medium, huh? I wonder if a fourth compilation will ever surface on 8 track…

Various Artists- Unreleased Volume 1 K7
1. Section 25– Human Puppets
2. Asylum Party– Where Have You Gone My Friend?
3. Brigade Internationale– Memories And Break
4. Clair Obscur– Wreck
5. Mary Goes Round– The Shelter
6. Odessa– Trouble
7. Brigade Internationale– Silence Of My Brain
8. Orchestre Rouge– 1980
9. Art Remains Tangible– Numéro 32
10 Little Nemo– Future Is Now
11. Norma Loy– Ghost Parasites
12. Brigade Internationale– Eyes On The Volcano
13. Complot Bronswick– Panem And Circences
14. The Cultural Decay– I Never Loved You

*download it here*

9 Comments »

Samedi- Between Two Hearts 7”

Posted in 1980s, 1987, new wave, Samedi, swedish, synthpop on June 22, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

I’m pleased to offer the first Samedi 7”, a true Swedish synth masterpiece. You may have heard the a-side on the Retronics compilation, chock full of similar gems. I also posted their 1989 full length almost two years ago. However, the b-side to this 7” has remained unheard until now, and is a nice, short and energetic synthpop track that should please quite a few ears.

Without any further ado, here’s the info:

Samedi- Between Two Hearts 7”
1. Between Two Hearts
2. World

*download it here*

1 Comment »

Claude Raines- Claude Raines LP

Posted in 1980s, 1987, Claude Raines, New York, post-punk, Rochester on February 7, 2011 by Frankie Teardrop

I’ve been meaning to post this LP for months now, don’t know why it’s taken me so long. Up on the slab is the lone LP by Claude Raines, a US based guitar-driven post-punk band from Rochester, NY. Rochester must’ve been a great breeding ground for awesome, underrated post-punk, between this LP and of course, Eleven Pond. In fact, Cedric Herrera, vocalist for this band, was also the singer of Red Violet Red, the band that preceded Eleven Pond!

The closest touchstones for this 1987 LP include The Church, The Chameleons, Psychedelic Furs, and The Snake Corps, complete with the big guitar driven sound of all those bands. Perhaps a bit of a R.E.M./Grapes of Wrath vibe as well, just a bit heavier than either of those bands tend to run. According to the band’s Myspace page, run by an official member, they are hoping for a reissue and are looking for interested parties or labels who could make it happen. Hopefully this post here can bring this excellent LP to more widespread attention. Feel free to reach out to the band!

Claude Raines- Claude Raines LP
1. All Of The Days
2. No Talk
3. Stumbling Hard
4. Looking Around (Acoustic Mix)
5. Moving Through The Fields
6. Dancing
7. Looking Around
8. Going Under

*download it here* (RE-RIPPED 9.25.17)

Lots to post in the coming weeks, including a the full Thierry Meyer 7”, an uncovered gem from Jih, and more!

8 Comments »

Archive for the 1987 Category

About

Archives